There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added

The module will cover libel, defamation, copyright, criminal and civil courts, criminal procedure, reporting of minors, reporting of sexual crimes and contempt of court. We will look at how the journalist must work within the law in a democratic society, but be prepared to challenge it in a responsible and ethical manner. We will focus on how the law specifically applies to journalists in broadcast media (TV and radio), online (newspapers, blogs, websites, videos, podcasts) and print (newspapers & magazines). The module will introduce you to Scottish and UK media law as well as the Human Rights Act 1998, the European Convention on Human Rights and international law. This course has also built up a body of work examining media law at an international level and students will be encouraged to add to this either through new research or from their particular experience in their own country outside the UK. The module will take both a practical and theoretical approach to media law and public affairs.

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Write a running, online news report on a criminal case, which complies with Scottish reporting constraints.

LO2: Consider regulations and reporting restrictions for journalists.

LO3: Explain the law of Defamation, Contempt of Court and Privacy for Journalists.

LO4: Understand the legal implications for online/social media activity and global communication.